'Breakfast With Fred' to Bring Leadership Blitz to PBA

Date:January 27, 2014

“We come to stretch and bless the next generation of leaders...to the glory of God,” says Brenda A. Smith, president and CEO of the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute (BWFLI) that is coming to Palm Beach Atlantic University Feb. 20 and 21.

Named for Fred Smith, Sr., a business executive and Christian layman known as “mentor to a generation of leaders” who died in 2007, Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute brings leading men and women who travel at their own expense from across America to college campuses to share life experiences, wisdom and leadership principles with students.

The BWFLI focuses on the influence of intergenerational interaction and conversation, inviting men and women 60+ to create connections with these future leaders.

Fred Smith, Sr.

The “leadership blitz” includes an immersion in campus life over two days through classrooms, chapel service, student government sessions, special interest meetings, community outreach and faculty conversations.

“Having the BWFLI at Palm Beach Atlantic provides our students with amazing opportunities to learn from more than 16 leaders in the arts, sports, business and other fields,” Kevin Abel, dean of students, said. A women’s mentoring luncheon, commuter breakfast, golf team clinic and chapel service are among the planned events, in addition to classroom presentations.

“At Palm Beach Atlantic, we’re focused on encouraging growth of the whole person, not just producing college degrees,” President William M. B. Fleming, Jr. said. “The BWFLI is a well-respected program that shares our goals. Their selection of PBA is an honor and will generate excitement in our engaged learning environment.”

Endorsements from colleges around the country include: “The students are still talking about the connections made.” “This is an important event which makes a permanent impact on campus life.” “The influence of the BWFLI team continues.”